LIVE: Whistleblower testifiesDr. Rick Bright, a whistleblower who was removed as head of a federal agency, is testifying before a House panel, claiming that the U.S. lacks a master plan to combat COVID-19 and save lives. (New York Times)

New cases
Four more cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Spokane County. One of them has been hospitalized. (Spokesman-Review)

Budget cuts
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee ordered state agencies to freeze most hiring, equipment purchases, and personal service contracts as the pandemic takes a toll on state finances. (Seattle Times)

Rebuffing quarantineThe Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled against the governor's stay-home order on Wednesday, siding with Republican lawmakers who pursued the legal challenge. (New York Times)

IN OTHER NEWS...

Playing up angerRepublicans are banking on anger against Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's coronavirus stay-home orders working for them in the November election. (New York Times)

Open for businessThe Spokane Tribe Casino is reopening this Thursday with new safety protocols. (Spokesman-Review)

Returning to the foldCoronavirus is driving health insurers back into Obamacare markets that they had once abandoned as job-based health insurance is under threat. (Politico)

About The Author

As a staff writer, Josh covers criminal justice issues and Spokane County government. Previously, he worked as a reporter for Seattle Weekly. Josh grew up in Port Townsend and graduated from the University of Washington. Message him through Signal @ (360) 301-3490.